Ask Kim France: I Don’t Do Dresses — What Do I Wear to a Wedding?

Investigating how to address this request was actually a delight, because it turns out to be surprisingly easy to not wear adressto awedding; so many decent options abound. Your first way to go would be for a matching set, because they are pulled together while still being slouchy, like this sleeveless silk number from Reformation.

Also kind of amazing, and also from Reformation: this black-and-gold silk set.

These very sharp black silk pants might be worn with a black silk top you already own (hereis a good, cheap, silky option if you don’t).

I also quite like these very wide-leg pants, made of silk georgette.

Your next choice is to wear a jumpsuit, and sadly we are not in a jumpsuit moment right now, but I did manage to locate a few: This wide-leg number, cut to look menswearish, is quite appealing.

This one, which is silk crêpe, is on the casual side, but the right shoes and jewelry would make it party-ready.

A sharp strapless choice with a menswearish vibe.

Here’s another silk one from Ramy Brook that’s pretty cute.

The print on this sleeveless Ulla Johnson option is really winning; I’d probably pair it with alightweight cardi, because I just don’t adore exposing the universe to my upper arms.

Your next option — and the one I most heartily recommend — is to wear a suit, because it’s such a totally smoke-show way to go. Maybe trythis snappy black twill onefrom Indochino.

Another way to go — and one I’m dying to try — is to have a suit made for you, possibly bythe Tailory, an appointment-only shop in Soho that does quite good work. This choice isn’t the cheapest at all, but once you consider how often you’ll wear the suit, and how often you’ll wear its component pieces, you’ll realize that it’s a pretty good deal. I wouldn’t wear it to a wedding because that might be viewed as rude, but this suit is so spectacularly Bianca Jagger when she married Mick (and yes, I know she was actually wearing a skirt then).

I love the brevity of this request, even as I am stymied by that very brevity. I do not know how old you are, how you usually dress, or even what you consider cool. I think that when somebody projects coolness, it’s really their confidence that you’re seeing. So I will share some things that make me feel cool and confident, starting with a pair of jeans that fit the way good jeans should fit, like these from Frame.

Invest in a grown-up bag without entirely breaking the bank: This suede one from Mansur Gavriel is the very essence of slouchy chic.

And this one from Sézane has a very luxe vibe as well.

The right smart cotton button-down will take you far, and I like those made by the brand TWP, whose shirts are not un-pricey but are also just rather perfect. (FYI, one can usually find good TWP shirtson sale at Saks.)

I also try to bejewel myself smartly and am always wearing a chain with several gold charms by James Colarusso. They’re just so elegant and gorgeous.

Finding the right leather belt is no small endeavor, and I dig this one from Isabel Marant.

This cotton woven belt from Xirena will add a pop of happy brightness to even the dullest ensemble.

I always think that investing in the right outerwear is crucially important, because that’s what most people see you in out on the street. I love the anti-fashion look of a Barbour waxed jacket, and I’d snap up this Paul Smith for Barbour jacket in that amazing blue. It is sold out in some sizes, but there are other good shades to choose from, likethis olive green.

If that doesn’t seem quite right, there is always Barbour’s more classic Bedale jacket.

Think about investing in an amazing suede jacket like this one from AYR, with which I am completely besotted.

Or go for Quince’s suede blazer, which isn’t halfbad and rings in at a very fair price.

I also like this short double-faced wool jacket, which has such great, super-subtle details.

And finally, a super-easy way to project endless, timeless cool: a pair ofRay-Ban aviators.

I always go for buckethatsor some variation on that theme. The pop of red here is cute, and I love the matching drawstring.

The brim of this bucket hat from Kule is slightly smaller, so maybe not the best choice if you’re out hiking all day, but for city wear, I think it’s just fine.

A very wide-brimmed denim choice.

Another really happy hat: this reversible striped terry one.

I have been known to stalk the RealReal for Pucci bucket hats, and if they are at all up your alley, I suggest you do the same, because Pucci doesn’t appear to be offering any at the moment.

I usually dislike branding on anything I wear, but there is something sort ofchic about it on this one, a collab between Patagonia and Reformation.

I don’t typically go for raffia hats either, but this one is packable, which is clutch.

Just a deeply cheery yellow one that also comes ina pretty great green.